A Ceasefire in Gaza—A Call for Peace in Ukraine

By Desmond Nleya
The recent ceasefire in Gaza offers a moment of respite in a region long plagued by violence, destruction, and human suffering.
While the pause in hostilities is a welcome relief, history has shown that temporary truces are fragile and often short-lived without a broader commitment to lasting peace.
As the world breathes a cautious sigh of relief, we must turn our attention to another war still raging—the devastating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In Gaza, the humanitarian toll of the violence has been staggering. Thousands have lost their lives, entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and civilians—particularly women and children—have borne the brunt of the suffering.
The ceasefire, brokered through intense diplomatic efforts, should not be mistaken for a permanent solution. It is a starting point, not an endpoint, in the pursuit of a sustainable resolution that ensures dignity, security, and self-determination for all involved.
For this to happen, global leaders must not only celebrate the cessation of fighting but also work to address the root causes of the conflict, ensuring that this ceasefire leads to substantive negotiations rather than a temporary lull before the next escalation.
While Gaza has found a momentary break from bloodshed, Ukraine remains engulfed in war. The conflict, now in its third year, continues to claim lives, destroy infrastructure, and displace millions. Unlike the situation in Gaza, where international mediation helped bring about a ceasefire, diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine have stalled. The world must demand the same level of urgency in addressing this crisis, pushing for immediate de-escalation and a path toward peace talks.
The lessons from Gaza should inform the approach to Ukraine. Ceasefires, while imperfect, save lives and provide a platform for dialogue.
The international community, particularly Western powers and influential intermediaries, must apply sustained pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to engage in meaningful negotiations.
No conflict is without complexity, but continued warfare only deepens divisions, prolongs suffering, and erodes prospects for future reconciliation.
We cannot allow war to become the status quo in any region.
The ceasefire in Gaza should serve as a reminder that diplomacy, however difficult, remains the best alternative to endless conflict.
The time for ceasefire negotiations is now, and the world cannot afford to wait.